Driver Turns Himself in After Fatal Canal Crash that Killed Mother Martha Hernandez and Son Adrian Hernandez in Central Fresno

A 41-year-old mother and her 9-year-old son tragically lost their lives in a crash early Monday morning in central Fresno. Authorities say the driver responsible, Timothy Seth Chavez, turned himself in late Monday night, nearly 24 hours after the fatal incident.

The crash occurred around 1:57 a.m. on April 6 at the intersection of McKinley Avenue and Fresno Street, near Highway 41. Police believe Chavez ran a red light, colliding with an SUV. The impact sent the vehicle into the Dry Creek Canal, where it became submerged.

First responders pulled the driver, Martha Hernandez, out of the water and rushed her to Community Regional Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries. Chavez fled the scene immediately after the crash but turned himself in to police that evening.

Suspect Facing Multiple Charges

Timothy Seth Chavez, 41, now faces several serious charges, including vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended license. Legal analysts suggest Chavez could face at least six years in prison, with potential additional charges for fleeing the scene.

Action News Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi commented, “Turning himself in is always a positive step, but running away only complicates the charges. If he’s convicted of fleeing, it could add a consecutive sentence of at least five years.”

Chavez’s criminal record reportedly includes several driving infractions. A witness at the scene indicated that Chavez appeared intoxicated, although police were unable to conduct sobriety tests due to his flight from the crash.

Community Mourns the Loss of Martha and Adrian Hernandez

As Chavez remains in jail, the local community is grieving the deaths of Martha "Patty" Hernandez, a well-known nail technician in Old Town Clovis, and her son Adrian Hernandez, 9. Flowers and candles now mark the crash site, where friends, family, and community members are coming together to honor the victims.

One friend wrote on Instagram, "This was my niece’s co-worker. My niece said she always inspired her to be a great nail tech."

The Hernandez family was returning home from an Easter celebration with relatives when the crash occurred.

Details of the Crash and Investigation

The deadly crash followed a two-vehicle collision at McKinley Avenue and Fresno Street. Hernandez’s vehicle was sent into the canal after the impact, while one of the other vehicles was found stopped in the roadway, with the driver missing. Police believe Chavez’s car caused the collision but fled the scene. Authorities are investigating the crash as a possible hit-and-run.

The Fresno Police Department is urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward.

Legal Process Moving Forward

The legal process is expected to take months. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of the victims: Martha Hernandez, 41, and her son Adrian Hernandez, 9. Investigators continue to examine the evidence, and additional charges may be filed if new information emerges.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has until Thursday to file formal charges against Chavez. As of Tuesday afternoon, prosecutors are still awaiting the case from police.